Time Management: Time flies when you're having fun! Each day I will have planned lessons and activities to promote growth and success in each student. To make our time efficient throughout the day, a schedule will be posted in the classroom that is visible by everyone. The schedule being posted on the wall will help keep both myself and the students on task and efficiently learning throughout the day. During independent and small group activities I will use a timer to help keep track of time, since time is often lost easily during this type of instruction. Our class will always try our best to stay on schedule to accomplish each day's learning goals!
Transitions: Transitions can become sticky situations for student's if you aren't careful. To monitor and guide transitions in our classroom, I have built five minutes in for each transition in between activities. This time does not have to be fully utilized, but is there if it is needed. I have allowed five minutes for transitions to allow students to regain focus if it is lost. This also allows students time for movement, which is a hidden aspect in student's development. During the five minutes I allow students to take part in multiple possible activities. During this time they may gather supplies needed for the next activity, put previously used supplies away, go to the bathroom, grab a drink, ask questions, talk to their peers, and get their wiggles out. To monitor transitions I play music to cue students. When the song begins playing they know that it is time to move from one activity to the next. When the music stops they know that it is time to regain focus and become ready to learn. Music allows transitions to become positive and enjoyable for everyone!
Space: As a class, we utilize the space of the classroom to the best of our ability. We have sections of our classroom for the whole class at once, sections for small groups of students, and individual space. Individual space is important to everyone and teaches each other how to respect one another's space. I have individual cubbies labeled for each student's belonging from home as well as cubbies for graded work and notes. Student's also have a seat of their own where they have storage for their individual supplies. We have a carpet in the classroom with a large amount of open space to meet as a whole. Small tables and centers take up the remaining amount of space for small group activities. To help manage our space the best of our ability, we keep all of our tools and materials organized and clean. We focus on putting things back where they belong the correct way so that we can easily find them in the future.
Movement: Movement and exercise are essential to my students development. To ensure my students are receiving movement throughout the day we take brain breaks and participate is short movement activities inside the classroom. This helps our class regain focus when it is lost. Students also participate in PE once a week for 45 minutes where they learn and focus on improving their physical health. Each day, we go outside for recess for 20 minutes. If the whether is acting up outside we go to the gym to ensure we are participating in movement. Each student is encouraged to participate in an activity that gets their heart rate up during recess each and everyday.
Materials: Materials needed for our classroom activities are found on a list provided to you during open house. Individual materials are labeled with student's names and placed in their individual area to store them. We focus on keeping our individual materials organized and clean so they are easily accessible throughout the day. Classroom materials are found throughout the classroom in specified areas that are labeled and accessible by all children. If additional materials are needed for activities throughout the school year, they will either be asked as a donation or I will provide them myself.
Activities: All activities students take part for throughout the day are beneficial to their academic success. Activities are planned a head of time, focusing on student's individual needs. Activities are present for each different learning style, ensuring the success of all students. Not all activities will be your favorite but I promise that you will grow and succeed throughout!